Under Zambian law, sexual relations between men are punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

“The offence of homosexuality attracts a sentence of not less than five years imprisonment, and therefore anyone who will be found wanting will face the wrath of the law,” Kanjela said.

In his TV appearance, Kasonkomona said that gay rights are like any other form of human rights, and should be respected.

The headline for the MUVI TV story was “Police Officers Storm Muvi Television Studios Arresting Gay Right Activist,” but a video accompanying the story only showed men getting into a car and driving away.

Kasonkomona is a human rights and AIDS activist working in Zambia with the Civil Society Health Forum and the Engender Rights Centre for Justice.

“To those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, let me say: You are not alone. Your struggle for an end to violence and discrimination is a shared struggle.” — U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon